Zygomycota

Outline

Introduction

a.k.a. zygomycetes

Characteristics

those of fungi in general

specifically as zygomycetes:

coenocytic hyphae

characteristic life cycle

morphology

Life cycle

Asexual:

produce sporangiospores in sporangia on the ends of sporangiophores

Sexual:

may be heterothallic or homothallic

click here to see life cycle diagram

Ecological significance

Saprobes

molds, e.g., Rhizopus

Parasites/pathogens

the fly fungi, e.g., Entomophthora

Rhizopus -- plant pathogen

Mutualists -- mycorrhizae

Predators -- trap and eat protozoans (amoebae)

Economic importance

Destruction of food

Industrial applications -- steroid production

Food -- tempeh

 

Vocabulary

click here to go to Zygomycota vocabulary